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- Ferate’s 5: The Only Thing That Is Doing The Thing Is Doing The Thing. (019)
Ferate’s 5: The Only Thing That Is Doing The Thing Is Doing The Thing. (019)
Get clear, define your thing, and do the thing.
Bryant Ferate
October 16, 2023
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The Only Thing That Is Doing The Thing Is Doing The Thing.
What’s up, everyone? Happy Monday hope you have a solid start to your week. 76 days left of 2023, 10 weeks, and some change.
Ever have those moments when you see something that fascinates you and stops you in your tracks? I had one of those moments recently and have been waiting to share it with you.
I came across a clip of one of my favorite podcasters, Chris Williamson host of the Modern Wisdom Podcast reading this essay. This hit me like a middle linebacker when you’re running slant across the middle of the field. Like when you’re coming in hot and no one yells “CORNER”.
Check the full video. It is also written below.
Preparing to do the thing isn't doing the thing.
Scheduling time to do the thing isn't doing the thing.
Making a to-do list for the thing isn't doing the thing.
Telling people you're going to do the thing isn't doing the thing.
Messaging friends who may or may not be doing the thing isn't doing the thing.
Writing a banger tweet about how you're going to do the thing isn't doing the thing.
Hating on yourself for not doing the thing isn't doing the thing. Hating on other people who have done the thing isn't doing the thing. Hating on the obstacles in the way of doing the thing isn't doing the thing.
Fantasizing about all of the adoration you'll receive once you do the thing isn't doing the thing.
Reading about how to do the thing isn't doing the thing. Reading about how other people did the thing isn't doing the thing. Reading this essay isn't doing the thing.
The only thing that is doing the thing is doing the thing.
This connects with me because I need this reminder. Maybe you can relate? I am super curious, love to learn, and grow, and many times feel like there is a full Formula 1 race going on in my head. All good things… the pod, coaching, connecting, life, writing, ideas, oh shit wow that’s cool, future projects, a lot is going on in there.
It all comes back to ACTION. Not that fake stuff, we’re talking real action here. James Clear has an incredible example of the difference between action and motion. The key is action gets you closer to the desired outcome.
Motion:
-talk to a personal trainer
-research your book idea
-explore different types of meditation
Action:
-do 10 squats
-write 1 sentence
-meditate for 1 minute
Motion feels like progress. Action is progress.
Writing over and over lists of who would be great guests for the podcast. Having a long list is great but if you don’t hit people up and record there are no podcast episodes. (Guilty)
Writing out idea after idea for writing a weekly newsletter. Listening to more podcasts, reading more articles, and having more conversations to make that list of ideas even longer but if you don’t write newsletters and press publish, what’s the point? (Guilty)
Ever felt great ordering a few books on Amazon? Big dopamine kick from ordering those books that then go on your to-read list and sit on your bookshelf for the next year untouched. Motion. You get excited and feel like you accomplished something simply by purchasing it but that’s not action. (Guilty)
Have you spent hours researching running shoes? What are the best ones and why? The clock is ticking and time passes by during all that research, shipping, and delivery. All motion… Could have just started running or spent that energy training. Buying the sick gear is exciting but the magic is in the action. (Guilty)
I see this in my life and so many others’ lives. The first step in improving is being aware of the difference between action and motion. This week's Ferate 5 is one of the greatest priorities for me in the rest of 2023. A consistent bias toward action and relentless in recognizing the difference between the two.
Like what Chris Williamson said…
The only thing that is doing the thing is doing the thing.
Get clear, define your thing, and do the thing.
What is an example from your life where you catch yourself in motion over action? Writing list after list after list?
What is a specific goal you have for October that you are taking action on?
What was your first reaction when watching the video?
Reply with an answer to one or all of these questions! Have loved connecting with you and the rest of the readers of the newsletter.
Wishing you all love & consistency. Continue to stack those daily deposits and make every day the best day of the year, until tomorrow…
Ferate
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